Bulimia Nervosa
Like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa is characterized by self-evaluations which are unjustifiably influenced by body shape and weight (Levine & Smolak). However, bulimics differ from anorexics in that they will have a period of binge eating followed by a period of purging. The eating has to occur with a two hour period of time and the individual will eat a substantially larger amount of food than a normal person would during that time period. A loss of control over eating during this period is characteristic. After the binging phase, purging occurs through either vomiting, use of laxatives, enemas or excessive exercising.
Health risks associated with bulimia nervosa are malnutrition, dehydration, stroke, digestive problems, liver and heart failure among others (Levine & Smolak). Individuals with bulimia tend to suffer from anxiety disorders, most commonly social phobia and generalized anxiety disorder (Bulik, 2002). Their social anxiety leads to feelings of body dissatisfaction and obsessive-compulsive behaviours which end in bulimic eating disorders. Bulimia nervosa is also associated with bouts of depression. Much like anorexia nervosa, bulimia has serious implications when it comes to the quality of life a sufferer enjoys.
Like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa is characterized by self-evaluations which are unjustifiably influenced by body shape and weight (Levine & Smolak). However, bulimics differ from anorexics in that they will have a period of binge eating followed by a period of purging. The eating has to occur with a two hour period of time and the individual will eat a substantially larger amount of food than a normal person would during that time period. A loss of control over eating during this period is characteristic. After the binging phase, purging occurs through either vomiting, use of laxatives, enemas or excessive exercising.
Health risks associated with bulimia nervosa are malnutrition, dehydration, stroke, digestive problems, liver and heart failure among others (Levine & Smolak). Individuals with bulimia tend to suffer from anxiety disorders, most commonly social phobia and generalized anxiety disorder (Bulik, 2002). Their social anxiety leads to feelings of body dissatisfaction and obsessive-compulsive behaviours which end in bulimic eating disorders. Bulimia nervosa is also associated with bouts of depression. Much like anorexia nervosa, bulimia has serious implications when it comes to the quality of life a sufferer enjoys.